As the dragon neared, the flames on Gaucho's wings burned brighter. Even if he couldn't recall how he had come by these powers, he certainly knew how to use them. One beat of his wings would cover the ice-snake in flames, so long as it was stupid enough to continue approaching. In this instance, perhaps it was best that Ophelia had called out verbally to her creature. For had she not, Gaucho might have thought that Tinek's suddenly retreat and Ophelia's movement away was some sort of ploy. Was she in on this too? Vacantly, Mara hissed no into his mind, and on this occasion, he believed her. But that only compounded the confusion. Why then, was she running? Why had she screamed? Why had the ice-snake come his way at all? Why did he feel such anger, fear, and loss at the images that Mara projected to him?
Gaucho's stormy gaze fell upon Ophelia's chiseled hindquarters as they flexed appealingly, bringing her to a stop. Her agile spin, too, did not go unnoticed by his approving and masculine gaze. Nostrils flared, he watched her pristine shape rise, and the ice-snake land upon her rump. Did it not hurt, how his claws must surely dig into her? And what of the charge causing her hair to lift? Maybe she like it hurt. He thought with a grunt. Mara, who had no desire to check Ophelia out, was hissing loudly and angrily at Tinek. She had not forgotten their last encounter - how the dragon had snatched her up, and tried to force her body to break, due to the sheer fall off of the cliffs. Venom continued to drip down her pointed fangs, as she wove herself tightly against Gaucho's antlers.
Ophelia's yell broke Gaucho's reverie, starting him somewhat, as his gaze drifted back to her face. Why she angry? He asked Mara - wasn't the ice-snake the one who had hurt her? So why was Ophelia shouting? If it had been during a spar or a battle then...well, Mara was fine. They must have won. Being a sore loser was no excuse for such antics. The thought hadn't even occurred to Gaucho that perhaps the fight was not a just one. He had never had a chance to explain to Ophelia what had happened - though perhaps he wouldn't have even been capable of it. He never told Midas either - too many other things had gotten in the way. With his memories gone, or buried, today seemingly would not be the day that that hatched was buried.
Snarling slightly at her tone, Gaucho shook his antlered brow firmly: No. "Mara say...Mara say ice-snake try to throw her off cliff." He began sternly, feeling the prickle of concern and fear at the memory Mara had sent all over again. All at once however, the stern vacant stare broke, and an unmistakable wave of sincerity molded his features into one of concern and confusion. "...But Gaucho not know - re-mem-burr - that. Gaucho not know you -" Without Mara's aid - for she was still too busy sending mental threats fruitlessly towards Tinek - he could say no more.
@[Ophelia]
.svg/2000px-Google_Chrome_icon_(2011).svg.png){kind=icon}
